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Phillies and Nationals Draw at CACTI Park: A Game of Twists and Turns

The Philadelphia Phillies faced off against the Washington Nationals in a preseason matchup at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. The game concluded with both teams locked in a 5-5 tie, leaving the Phillies with a record of 0-2, while the Nationals remain undefeated at 3-0.


Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Edmundo Sosa (33) looks on against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

First Inning


The game began with the Nats taking an early lead as they scored 1 run on their first hit. The Phils responded defensively, managing to keep further damage at bay despite Washington's aggressive start.


Third Inning


Philadelphia found their rhythm in the third inning when they managed to score their first run. This was thanks to a combination of strategic hitting and capitalizing on Washington's fielding errors. Edmundo Sosa stood out for his consistent performance, maintaining an impressive batting average from previous games.


Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) catches a ground ball to retire Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia (not pictured) during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Sixth Inning


The sixth inning proved pivotal for the Fightin' Phils as they surged ahead by scoring four runs on two hits. This offensive burst was fueled by patient plate appearances that resulted in walks and timely hits. Bryce Harper contributed significantly during this stretch, showcasing his ability to drive in runs under pressure.


Seventh and Eighth Innings


However, just as it seemed like Philadelphia might secure their first win of the preseason, Washington mounted a comeback. The Nats scored two runs each in both the seventh and eighth innings, leveling the score once again due to some effective hitting combined with disciplined base running.


Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jake Irvin (27) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Ninth Inning


In what turned out to be a tense ninth inning for both sides, neither team could break through offensively despite opportunities presented by defensive lapses from Washington’s side which included four errors throughout the game.


As part of our Phillies vs Nationals match summary: Both teams displayed moments of brilliance but also areas needing improvement before regular season play begins. According to Phillies coach post-game reaction: "We saw some good things today but still have work ahead."


Looking forward, fans can catch more action when Philadelphia takes on Miami Marlins next at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter on February 24th at 1:10 PM EST where coverage will be available via local sports networks or streaming services online.


Stay tuned for more updates including our Phillies vs Nationals full match report detailing all key moments from this exciting encounter! Share this article if you enjoyed reading about your favorite team's latest exploits!

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